Synonyms of inconsistentnext
: lacking consistency: such as
a
: not compatible with another fact or claim
inconsistent statements
b
: containing incompatible elements
an inconsistent argument
The decision was inconsistent with company policy.
c
: incoherent or illogical in thought or actions : not always acting or happening the same way
His pitching has been inconsistent this season.
The pain is inconsistent.
d
: not satisfiable by the same set of values for the unknowns
inconsistent equations
inconsistent inequalities
inconsistently adverb

Synonyms of inconsistent

Examples of inconsistent in a Sentence

Customers have been complaining about the inconsistent service they have received. The pain has been inconsistent. Her grades have been inconsistent this school year. Their descriptions of the accident were inconsistent. The results of the two experiments were inconsistent. The decision was inconsistent with the company's policy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But if applicants or employees see the system as inconsistent, biased or unfair, trust can fall instead of rise. Pooya Tabesh, The Conversation, 30 July 2026 Scorsese’s all-over-the-place 1980s output was criticized as inconsistent at the time, but fans have come to appreciate The King of Comedy and After Hours. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 Conversely, trust becomes more difficult to maintain when messages are inconsistent, unclear or disconnected from reality. Tavares Beverly, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 In Gemini, the red planet wants variety and options, which can be equally exciting and inconsistent. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inconsistent

Word History

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inconsistent was in 1620

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inconsistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconsistent. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

inconsistent

adjective
1
: not being in agreement or harmony : incompatible
an explanation inconsistent with the facts
2
: not logical or regular in thought or actions : changeable
a very inconsistent person
inconsistently adverb

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